How decisiveness and adaptability can elevate your leadership communication and drive personal growth.
Imagine standing at the edge of the unknown, preparing to leap into a completely new world. Twenty-six years ago, I stood on that edge. I was finishing university in Canada and ready for a challenge, a new experience that would push me beyond my comfort zone. Within two weeks, I decided to move to Switzerland. Two months later, I landed in a country where I didn’t speak the region's language, had no clear job prospects, and was only beginning to understand the culture.
What followed was a crash course in adaptation, fueled by equal parts determination, mistakes, and resilience. That experience shaped not only my career but also the way I approach leadership and communication today.
Let’s explore the lessons I learned and how they may empower you to adapt and thrive—whether you’re navigating a career shift, preparing for a big project, or building trust with your team.
Lesson 1: Let Possibility, Not Fear, Be Your Engine
Fear is a natural response to the unknown. It explains why you shouldn’t take that leap—speaking up in a meeting, starting a new project, or moving to another country. But here’s the thing: fear is a poor guide.
In Switzerland, I had plenty of reasons to be afraid. The language barrier alone was daunting, and I stumbled through cultural norms I didn’t fully understand (like calling a CEO “DU” instead of the formal “SIE”—a rookie mistake!). But what kept me going was my focus on possibility. I didn’t dwell on what might go wrong; I leaned into what could go right.
The next time you face a big decision or an unfamiliar situation, shift your mindset. Instead of asking, “What if I fail?” ask, “What opportunities could this unlock?”
Lesson 2: Mistakes Are Better Than Inaction
Early in my Swiss adventure, I realized something liberating: mistakes are inevitable. In fact, they’re often the fastest way to learn. Whether it was navigating a foreign work environment or mispronouncing German phrases, each misstep taught me something new—and that growth only happened because I dared to act.
One of my most significant decisions during that time was recognizing when my first job in Switzerland wasn’t the right fit. It would have been easy to stay out of fear or convenience, but I trusted my instincts and pivoted to a new role that better aligned with my goals. That decision boosted my confidence and my career; it also reinforced the importance of deliberate action.
Perfection is the enemy of progress. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and view them as stepping stones. Doing something—even imperfectly—is far more valuable than doing nothing at all.
Lesson 3: Be Ready to Pivot
Resilience isn’t just about weathering challenges—it’s about knowing when to adjust your course. Moving to a new country taught me that being adaptable doesn’t mean sticking to a plan no matter what. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is recognize when it’s time to change direction.
In leadership and communication, this lesson is crucial. A great leader asks and listens to feedback, adjusts their message, and adapts to the needs of their team or audience. Similarly, a great communicator knows when to shift strategies in a conversation or presentation to better connect with others.
Flexibility is your superpower. Whether leading a team or navigating your career, stay open to recalibrating when circumstances change.

Your Next Leap: Reflect and Act
Resilience isn’t built overnight—it results from small, courageous actions that compound over time. As you think about your own journey, here’s a simple exercise to reconnect with your inner adaptability:
Reflect: Think back to a time when you surprised yourself with your bravery. Maybe you tackled a challenging project, spoke up when it mattered or embraced a challenge that initially seemed impossible.
Identify the Lessons: What helped you succeed in that moment? How did you adapt to the obstacles you faced?
Act: What’s one area in your professional or personal life where you can apply those skills today?
Closing Thought: The ability to adapt is like a muscle—it grows stronger with use. Trust your instincts, embrace the possibility of failure, and take that leap. The lessons you’ll learn along the way will not only shape your success but also strengthen your leadership and communication skills for years to come. These stories will inspire and empower both yourself and others.
What’s your story of bravery and adaptation? I’d love to hear it. Let it remind you of what you’re truly capable of and more.
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